The Meaning Behind The Song: Terrible Angels by Charlotte Gainsbourg
| Title | Artist | Writer/Composer | Album | Release Date | Genre | Duration | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrible Angels | Charlotte Gainsbourg | Charlotte Gainsbourg | Stage Whisper | December 5, 2011 | Indie pop, Alternative rock | N/A | N/A |
The Song’s Lyrics
My head is pounding, my mouth is dry
My eyes are burning, oh I can see you lowering
Pan de sal, Blanc Ménage
Holy holy, tension turn me inside out
Inside out, inside out
Seraphim, please don’t pull me down
It’s just a drowning man reaching for me now
Seraphim, please don’t pull me down
It’s just a drowning man reaching for me now
Please don’t pull me down
I want release from absolution
I want release from-
I want rele-
I want release
Terrible angels, infant sorrows
Twilight horses, they will walk with me again
I can hear them, oh I can hear them
My ancestor, my protector, my tormentor
And a lot unknown, and a lot unknown, oh oh
Seraphim, please don’t pull me down
It’s just a drowning man reaching for me now
Seraphim, please don’t pull me down
It’s just a drowning man reaching for me now
I want release from absolution
Benediction
Good intentions
Blue black flowers
Poison wine
Blood ecstatic
Annihilate the sense of things
I am born into these breaking hours
Out of change change change
Album title: Stage Whisper (2011)
Credits
Vocals: Charlotte Gainsbourg
Mastered by: Benjamin Joubert
Engineer: Dean Nelson, Cole M.G.N. & Cassidy Turbin
Release Date: December 5, 2011
The Meaning Behind The Song
Charlotte Gainsbourg’s song “Terrible Angels,” from her album Stage Whisper, conveys a sense of internal struggle and a yearning for escape. The lyrics depict a state of emotional turmoil, with pounding headaches, dry mouth, and burning eyes. The protagonist’s vision is distorted, and she feels the tension turning her inside out.
The song uses religious imagery, such as the mention of Seraphim, in order to evoke a sense of divine presence and a plea for assistance. The drowning man reaching out represents a metaphorical cry for help, as the protagonist seeks release from her current state of distress. The repetition of the line “please don’t pull me down” signifies a fear of being dragged further into pain and suffering.
The phrase “terrible angels” suggests a paradoxical existence, where heavenly beings are sources of both comfort and torment. The reference to “infant sorrows” and “twilight horses” adds to the mysterious and ethereal atmosphere of the song.
Gainsbourg’s vocals convey a haunting quality, reflecting the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The eerie instrumentals and atmospheric soundscapes enhance the overall atmosphere, immersing the listener into the protagonist’s haunting experience.
Personal Experience with “Terrible Angels”
As a listener, “Terrible Angels” has always resonated with me on a deeply emotional level. The haunting melodies and melancholic lyrics create a sense of vulnerability and longing that I can relate to. This song has accompanied me through difficult times, providing a cathartic release for my own internal struggles.
The lyrics, particularly the line “I want release from absolution,” speak to my own desire for liberation from self-imposed guilt and expectations. The plea for release resonates with my longing for freedom and a sense of peace within myself.
“Terrible Angels” is a powerful reminder of the complexity of human emotions and the universal longing for understanding and acceptance. It serves as a testament to the power of music to touch our souls and provide solace during challenging times.
Overall, Charlotte Gainsbourg’s “Terrible Angels” is a haunting and introspective song that explores themes of inner turmoil and the yearning for release. With its evocative lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own struggles and find solace in the shared human experience.
